The Harry Potter and Games Of Thrones star, 71, is taking over as Professor Abraham Setrakian in the horror show, according to reports.

Hurt played the professor in the pilot but the role was then recast.

The Strain is based on the best-selling novel trilogy written by Guillermo and Chuck Hogan and follows an investigation into the outbreak of a virus that appears to be linked to vampirism. David's character is a Holocaust survivor who may have answers about the disease.

Other cast members include Corey Stoll, Sean Astin, Mia Maestro and Kevin Durand.

Production will begin later this month in Toronto and the series is scheduled to premiere next summer.